REIGNING champions Victoria Park A have extended their advantage at the head of the Stafford and District Bowls League after sinking nearest challengers Windmill.

In the first meeting this season between last year’s winners and runners-up, the Park visited Windmill and emerged crucial 8-4 victors as Russ Baxter returned a 21-11 score. The return fixture takes place tomorrow

Third place Rugeley Progressive also fell further adrift after going down 8-4 at lowly Penkridge A, for whom George Amison and Barry Brayne returned 21-5 wins.

Fourth place Amasal A chalked up a third league success with a 10-2 home win over basement side Red Lion. In good form for Amasal A were Dave Sproston (21-3) and Pete Bromley 21-7.

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Second bottom Chadsmoor claimed only their second win of the campaign so far with a 10-2 triumph over visiting Bridgtown A. The former were well served by Allan Parsons (21-5) and Martin Carnell (21-6).

Bradley House now lead in division two after hitting visiting Penkridge 11-1, with Mel Mycroft a 21-4 victor. Early pacesetters The Rag are now third with a match in hand.

Stafford A lost out 7-5 in a vital home match against Ashmole, for whom Adam Bailey won 21-7. Foxes defeated visiting Littleworth A 9-3.

On the third division scene, Alstom A continue to set the pace after emerging 9-3 winners at home to Greenheath, with Tony Knowles posting a 21-8 card.

Helen Punchard and George Henry recorded identical 21-9 wins as Victoria Park B edged a 7-5 home win over County Officers A.

Little Stoke CC kept up their early season push for promotion with a crucial 8-4 successover second place Hagley A. Tim Jones was a 21-5 winner as Lea Hall beat Amasal 10-2.

In division four, Burton Manor extended their unbeaten start to the season with a seventh straight win, defeating hosts Hagley B 7-5. Graham Stokes (21-6) and Roegr Arrowsmith (21-11) impressed for the Manor.

Littleworth B are chasing down the Manor, nine points adrift, after succeeding 8-4 against Hatherton. Pat Bailey (21-6) was best for Littleworth.

Stafford B pulled off a 9-3 win at County Officers B, as Arnie Hutchinson won 21-8, while Alston B suffered a sixth defeat, 10-2 at Heath Hayes.